Gap said it will again open many of its locations on Thanksgiving, looking to get ahead of other retailers planning midnight openings that night.
About 80 percent of Old Navy stores in the U.S. will be open, along with Gap, Banana Republic and Athletica stores. In all, about 1,000 Gap stores will be open on Thanksgiving.
“Our customers have given us terrific feedback about the option of getting a head start on their shopping on Thanksgiving Day,” said Tom Wyatt, president of Old Navy.
Many retailers, including Macy’s and Best Buy, are planning to open their Black Friday sales at midnight.
Several holiday-season forecasters said they expect holiday spending to be flat or weaker this year and that reduced spending could increase competition among retailers.
Meanwhile, Gap also unveiled a new social- networking-focused shopping-guide website, , which provides shopping tips, as well as promotional and events information about the clothing retailer’s five brands. Dow Jones Newswires
